The Government of France has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Ghana’s defence and national security efforts, with a renewed focus on military training, maritime security, cybersecurity and professional development within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
France’s Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Diarra Dime-Labille, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, at the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Ghana and France to discuss ways of deepening their longstanding bilateral defence cooperation while identifying new areas of partnership to address emerging security challenges.
France-Ghana Defence Cooperation
Ambassador Dime-Labille expressed appreciation for the reception and reaffirmed France’s determination to further strengthen its defence relationship with Ghana.
She also stressed the importance of expanding French language education within the Ghana Armed Forces, noting that more than 10 French language centres are currently operating across GAF garrisons.
According to her, improved French language skills among Ghanaian military personnel could contribute to stronger communication and collaboration with French-speaking countries and security partners.
The French Ambassador further pledged France’s continued support for the training and professional development of Ghana Armed Forces officers, as part of efforts to deepen military cooperation between the two countries.
France Supports Ghana Armed Forces
Minister for Defence Kenneth Gilbert Adjei expressed appreciation to the Government of France for its continued assistance to Ghana, particularly in strengthening the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He highlighted France’s support for the acquisition of an Airbus helicopter and its cooperation with the Ghana Navy in efforts to improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The support has included joint military exercises, visits by French naval vessels and professional training programmes for Ghanaian military personnel.
The Minister also acknowledged the assistance provided by a French Navy ship during a recent piracy attack in Ghanaian waters, describing the support as an important contribution to Ghana’s maritime security efforts.
French Company to Support Ghana Navy
Minister Adjei disclosed that negotiations were at an advanced stage for French shipbuilding company OCEA to construct a Fast Patrol Vessel for the Ghana Navy, with financial and other support from the French Government.
The proposed vessel is expected to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to protect its territorial waters and respond effectively to maritime security threats, including piracy and other illegal activities at sea.
Ghana-France Cooperation Against Galamsey
The Minister also discussed Ghana’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He expressed gratitude to France for its support towards Ghana’s efforts to address the environmental and security challenges associated with illegal mining.
The two countries also discussed the need for stronger cooperation in other areas of national security.
Cybersecurity Cooperation
Minister Adjei particularly called for enhanced cybersecurity cooperation between Ghana and France, stressing the importance of building national capacity to protect critical infrastructure and systems from emerging cyber threats.
As digital threats continue to evolve, he noted that stronger international partnerships would be essential to protecting Ghana’s critical national systems and improving the country’s overall cybersecurity resilience.
Ambassador Dime-Labille was accompanied by France’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Grégoire Madelin, and other members of the French Embassy delegation.
The discussions underscore the growing importance of Ghana-France defence relations, particularly in areas such as military training, maritime security, cybersecurity, intelligence cooperation and the protection of Ghana’s national interests.
Source: newsthemegh.com